Pipe welder for simultaneously fusing a plurality of polyethylene pipes

Abstract

Disclosed are a device and method for the simultaneous fusion of multiple plastic pipe sections. A plurality of pipe sections may be rigidly held, faced off, heated, and joined at the same time using a single piece of equipment. The inventive process allows increased throughput of the fusion process without significant additional costs.

1. A pipe fusion machine for fusing a first plurality of pipe sections to a second plurality of pipe sections, said machine comprising:
 a self-propelled frame; 
 a plurality of clamping mechanisms, each mechanism comprising two sections, wherein each said section comprises one recess for receiving an insert, said clamping mechanism being supported by said self-propelled frame; 
 a plurality of semi-circular inserts, each insert having a plurality of semi-circular recesses, each insert recess being positioned to form a circular recess with the corresponding recess on another insert when one of said inserts is placed on top of the other insert, and each insert being sized and configured to be received in the recess of a clamping mechanism section; 
 a facing mechanism; and 
 a heating mechanism. 
 
     
     
       2. The pipe fusion machine of  claim 1 , wherein at least two of the semicircular recesses within each insert have different diameters. 
     
     
       3. The pipe fusion machine of  claim 1 , further comprising an engagement mechanism adapted to move the clamping mechanisms. 
     
     
       4. The pipe fusion machine of  claim 1 , wherein the facing mechanism comprises a plurality of cutting heads. 
     
     
       5. The pipe fusion machine of  claim 1 , wherein at least one circular recess formed when one section of a clamping mechanism and insert is placed on top of the other section and insert, has a diameter smaller than the normal diameter of the pipe section. 
     
     
       6. The pipe fusion machine of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is removable from the clamping mechanism section. 
     
     
       7. A pipe fusion machine for fusing a first plurality of pipe sections to a second plurality of pipe sections, said machine comprising:
 a self-propelled frame; 
 a plurality of clamping mechanisms, each mechanism comprising two sections, wherein each said section comprises one recess for receiving an insert, with at least one section of each clamping mechanism is supported by said self-propelled frame; 
 a plurality of semi-circular, removable inserts, wherein at least two inserts have a plurality of semi-circular recesses, and at least two inserts have a single, semi-circular recess, 
 each insert recess being positioned to form a circular recess with the corresponding recess on a matching insert, when one of said inserts is placed on top of the other insert, and 
 each insert being sized and configured to be received in the recess of a clamping mechanism section; 
 a facing mechanism; and 
 a heating mechanism.